You have probably already heard the conversation about how plain old training is no longer considered enough to make a significant difference in improving the effectiveness of leaders. In fact, with typical training programs, only 20 to 30 percent of the skills are ever consistently applied or retained.
But if you combine training with coaching, the numbers rise. Drastically. In fact, some reports have found that blending training and coaching (and a thoughtful pre-training strategy) yields more than 3X better retention and application than traditional training programs.
If that data isn’t enough to convince you—or if you’re simply uninterested in the training portion of the equation—then consider these five reasons you won’t regret hiring a coach.
1. It’s Specific to Your Needs
While training is a good source for general skills and development, those skills become exponentially applicable when supplemented with a leadership coach. Coaching is solely focused on the development and growth of the individual, acting as a “co-pilot” in day-to-day and long-term strategy.
2. Faster Changes
Because a coach participates with the individual for short sessions over an extended period of time, the individual is more aware and conscientious of the changes to be made. The regular reminders taking place during coaching sessions empower the individual to more quickly and more successfully adopt new behaviors.
3. A High Degree of Self-Awareness
It is easy—maybe even typical—to get so caught up in the day-to-day that your actions become reflexive instead of conscious. When individuals are reactive, they’re more likely to develop bad or unsustainable habits that may end up being detrimental to or ineffective for the company.
Coaching is designed to provide a designated place in which the individual can safely self-reflect and self-assess in order to identify areas of progress as well as areas that continue to need improvement.
4. You Gain Vast Experience Through Mentorship
Quality leadership coaches come with years of experience and expertise in the roles for which they are coaching. They’re typically seasoned business leaders and managers whose first avocation is leading and managing people, programs, teams, functions, or organizations.
Beware of touted leadership coaches who are simply rebranded consultants or psychologists, as they won’t have the same business and leadership knowhow as a leader with hands-on experience in the field.
5. Coaching Helps Create a More Effective Leadership Pipeline
Taking coaching seriously in your organizations means you are empowered to take better advantage of hiring from within. Coaching helps groom young, new, and high-potential individuals for leadership positions by providing them with the specific mindsets and skillsets that allow them to thrive as leaders.
Taking ownership over the coaching of new leaders also means you are able to ensure they grow and develop as leaders in a way most conducive to the success of your company.
